Michigan prof wins $1M to revamp intro chemistry class

6:10 PM, July 4, 2014

Associated Press

ANN ARBOR, MICH. (AP) — — A University of Michigan professor of chemistry and engineering has won a five-year, $1 million grant as one of 15 scientist educators selected as Howard Hughes Medical Institute professors.

The university says Anne McNeil will use the grant to “revamp a chemistry prerequisite, start a research partnership with Washtenaw Community College and launch a summer science program for high school students.”

Michigan said this week that McNeil “plans to bring the real world into the classroom to help engage students” in the chemistry class required for those majoring in science, technology, engineering and math.

About 2,000 students take Chemistry 211 each year. McNeil says 37 percent of those starting a course sequence required for science and technology majors quit the sequence after they take the class.